Being in the audience, part two

#20. Go to a Met production of an opera by Mozart, Puccini, or Verdi.

This item on the list was actually planned in conjunction with going to see the ballet (because when NYCB and the Metropolitan Opera are literally next door to each other, obviously this is the best way to plan your 36 hours in NYC). I had been to the Met once before, in 2012 when my mom and I went to see Carmen. As I've become more knowledgeable about opera, the Italian composers have become my favorite, and I really wanted a chance to see one done with the best company in the country (and arguably the world). Also, the number of operas I've played FAR outweigh the number I've watched as an audience member. I wanted to change that. 

Thankfully, Sarah (who has also traveled abroad with me many times for the sake of this blog) was up for a trip from Philly! When I told her I was planning this trip, she said, "I'll come with you!" I bought us both tickets to Verdi's La Traviata and then waited anxiously for a month for the trip to come.
And finally, Leap Day and our opera day was here! We had a lovely and delicious dinner with Lisa (a high school friend) at a cheese and wine bar (Casellula, 52nd and 9th) to start off the evening. 

Oh my gosh you guys, look at ALL that cheese

Then, Sarah and I walked to Lincoln Center. It amazed me to see so many people at the Met on a Saturday night. I know NY has a population of millions of people, but it was still exciting and gratifying in a way to see SO many people congregating on Lincoln Center for a night of culture. We made it to the opera house and picked up our tickets and settled in for the story of a courtesan who finds true love and then is convinced by her lover's father to leave her lover. (Look, I never said I liked the plots of a lot of operas! But the music is great.)

We're so excited to see the Met opera!

This production was beautiful. The woman who sang Violetta, the main character, was just STUNNING. She was the standout by far. The set was gorgeous and the orchestra was absolutely top-notch. Sarah and I had a great time, and it was a treat to be in the audience instead of in the pit.

The height of this stage is massive and took me by surprise this time around as much as it did the first time I saw it.

Such beautiful chandeliers in this opera house!!

One happy lady in front of those iconic chandeliers after seeing this show.

While going to see productions like this and the ballet didn't require as much planning (or money) as something like a month-long trip to Europe, I think it was so important for me personally to remember why I chose to be a musician in the first place. Seeing stellar shows reminds me that art is such an important part of life: when people are hurting, art is something that can help to heal them. It was an important reminder for me to see and hear how beautiful music and movement can be. 

So, thank you, New York, for a truly spectacular 36 hours.

17 down. 13 to go!